Eckerd served in the Army National Guard and was a dock worker for Red Star Express. He enjoyed boats and trains. He won an award from the United Cerebral Palsy of Central Pennsylvania for his commitment to the community.

Surviving are his wife, Pearl V. Eckerd: two sons, Bruce and Thomas; three daughters, Candace Walsh, Robin Stouch and Susan Hutchens; a sister, Eileen Strout; two brothers, John and Walter; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

From his guest book:

“My deepest heart-felt sympathy for the family. I was one of the lab techs at GHFP... Mr. Eckerd was always in good spirits and talked so proudly of his family and always had a funny to story to tell.”

-- Maria Crawfors, Steelton

“My heartfelt sympathy for his entire family. I met the Eckerds through my work and enjoyed our talks. Tom was always kind and had a way of making you laugh or smile, even on your worst day.”

-- Lisa Mader, Shermans Dale

“My dad was an awesome, loving man who will be missed in so many ways.”

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